3 of 11"The 2012 Jaguar XKR-S convertible is the ragtop version of the most powerful convertible Jaguar has ever built, the supercharged XKR-S. " - Executive Editor Roger Hart

Photo by Roger Hart

4 of 11"With the insulated top up, the car seemed only slightly louder than the coupe."- Executive Editor Roger Hart

Photo by Roger Hart

5 of 11"With the top down and the wind deflector in place, at freeway speeds we were easily able to carry on conversations with the passenger, or, when we were feeling like Top Gun, listen to "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins through the sound system." - Executive Editor Roger Hart

7 of 11The front driver's side wheel on the new 2012 Jaguar XKR-S convertible.

Photo by Roger Hart

8 of 11The rear wing on the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S convertible.

Photo by Roger Hart

9 of 11The front grille badge of the 2012 Jaguar XKR-s convertible.

Photo by Roger Hart

10 of 11"While we would prefer a manual six-speed gearbox or even a dual-clutch unit to engage further in the driving experience, the six-speed automatic from ZF--the only choice available--is among the best automatic units in production today." - Executive Editor Roger Hart

Photo by Roger Hart

11 of 11"Jaguar's goal of building a gentleman's race car--the car lapped the Nürburgring in 7:50--a car that you could drive to the racetrack, have some fun in, then go out and have a casual drive around town, has been successful." - Executive Editor Roger Hart

Photo by Roger Hart

2012 Jaguar XKR-S convertible

Summer is nearly upon us, and it's time to hit the road. What car better than a convertible in which to take that road trip? Here we offer not a comprehensive list, but rather a collection of the most current top-down models that we think should be on your radar. From Bentleys to Volvos and Ferraris to Minis, with a Lamborghini thrown in, too, what follows is a nice, wide spectrum to get the wind-in-your-hair, sun-on-your-shoulders travel juices flowing. Enjoy!

Oftentimes, the removal of a car's top makes the resulting convertible look like some sort of a design experiment, where the lines just don't look right. Not so with the ragtop version of Jaguar's most powerful road-going car, the XKR-S convertible. The car is, in just about every measure, stunning.

The exterior design is about as sexy as cars get today, with beautiful, grace-ful lines accented by purposeful scoops, flares and a carbon-fiber front splitter and rear wing. And what's even better, the XKR-S lives up to how good it looks performance-wise.

The exhaust note coming from the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 is exhilarating. And with a top speed of 186 mph, the car can seriously mess up your hair.

The V8 has plenty of punch down low and pulls strong as the revs climb toward the 6,500-rpm redline. While the previous-generation XKR was noted for the whine emitted from the engine's supercharger, with the XKR-S, engineers opted for a sweet exhaust note. Using a crossover in which exhaust from each cylinder bank is mixed before exiting through an electronically controlled “active” exhaust valve, the car sounds like a Le Mans racer. We found ourselves dipping heavily into the throttle time and time again, just to hear the magnificent sound.

The aluminum chassis is solid, and this convertible model weighs in at just 88 pounds heavier than the coupe, with the mechanism needed to operate the fabric top. The top will open or close in less than 20 seconds. With the top down and the wind deflector in place, at freeway speeds we were easily able to carry on conversations with the passenger.

The XK line is set either to be overhauled following the 2014 model year or be allowed to fade away, mak-ing room for another, as-yet-unannounced line of luxury sports cars.

Until that decision is made, the XKR-S represents the pinnacle for the brand. And if you want one of these rocket ships, you need more than $138,000. You also need your name on the waiting list for cars in 2013. The 25 convertibles available for this year are sold out.

This seems like Jaguar's idea of building a gentleman's race car, something you can flog at a track and then drive home for a nice night on the town, which is popular with enthusiasts. Driving the car, it's easy to understand—great looks and intoxicating power are a potent combination.